What to Wear at Graduation Headdress Jewellery

What to wear at graduation As graduation is a formal occasion, an appropriate standard of dress is expected. The dress code below is strictly enforced at ceremonies, and if you do not observe it, you may not be permitted to graduate on a particular occasion. Your Praelector or Presenter is able to offer further advice on dress. Dress Option One

. A dinner jacket or black, very dark grey or very dark blue lounge suit. These must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown. . A plain, long-sleeved, collared, white shirt. . Formal black shoes. Sandals are not permitted. . Unpatterned black or very dark grey socks. . White bow-tie and bands must be worn.

Dress Option Two

. A black, very dark grey or very dark blue skirt suit or trouser suit, or a dark skirt without a jacket, or a dark, long-sleeved dress. These must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown. . A plain, long-sleeved, white shirt or blouse (unless a long-sleeved dress is worn). . Formal black shoes. Sandals are not permitted. . Unpatterned black, nearly-black, or natural coloured hosiery. . A white bow-tie and bands may be worn (optional) but only with a properly collared white shirt.

A black cassock may be substituted for a dark suit, skirt or dress in either Dress One or Two, but it must be worn with either a white bow-tie and bands or a clerical collar and bands. Headdress The square cap, or 'mortarboard', is optional for graduands at Cambridge. If you do decide to wear one on the day, you should take it off and carry it in your left hand inside the Senate-House. Jewellery Conspicuous jewellery and hair accessories are not permitted.